Minnesota Natural History Lecture Series

Interested in learning more about Minnesota's natural world? Join us each month for a lecture and discussion on a variety of natural history topics. All ages are welcome to all of our lectures, however we have designated some lectures as kid-friendly when the topics and presentation styles are more suitable for kids. Lectures that are designated as teacher-friendly indicate that there will be classroom resources available for teachers at the lecture.

Lecture Schedule:

Monday, Apr 20 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

This lecture is a general introduction to hibernation with a broad survey of animals that undergo multi-day torpor and the basic physiological changes that take place. What are the challenges hibernators face and how do they overcome them (muscle atrophy, bone loss, kidney failure)? How might we be able to apply some of these principles in a clinical setting for human benefit? Read an article on this topic in Sagatagan Seasons!

Tuesday, July 14 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m .

Ecologist Kim Chapman and poet Jim Armstrong, co-authors of a new book Nature, Culture, and Two Friends Talking, will use an essay about an emotional response to sudden change in the landscape and another essay on land stewardship to frame a discussion of how people and nature interact. Afterwards they will lead a walk in the Abbey Arboretum examining plants, birds, and other natural features along the trails. We will stop at the 1896 conifer planting, the oldest in the state and at a nearby site where oaks are being replanted following the 2011 blowdown to continue our discussion of change on the land and how people and nature interact. Refreshments will be provided.